IMPACT OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING ON THE EVALUATION OF EDUCATION INSPECTORS IN PORTUGAL

Abstract

This research is an empirical study, based on documentary analysis and unstructured interviews with inspectors, and its objectives were: to find out about the impact of the change in the evaluation system for education inspectors had and has on career progression; to demonstrate the impact that the change in career, associated with the change in the evaluation system, has and will have on the professional life of education inspectors in Portugal; to analyse the in-service training offered by the General Inspectorate of Education and Science to inspectors and the impact that training has on the performance of workers.

In methodological terms, all the legislation relating to the career and evaluation system of education inspectors was analysed, as well as the collection and processing of data relating to the progression/promotion, evaluation and in- service training of inspectors. Unstructured interviews with inspectors were used to validate data or to explain and clarify certain aspects.

The change in the career of inspectors to a unicategorical career, coupled with the new evaluation system, with quotas for "Relevant" and "Excellent" evaluations, has resulted in a drastic reduction in the number of progressions/changes in salary position, with the result that many inspectors are unable to reach the last salary position(s) until they retire, contrary to what would have happened if they had remained in the teaching career.

The in-service training provided by the General Inspectorate of Education and Science and other training attended at the initiative of inspectors has no direct impact on career progression.